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Question:
I would estimate that 7 out of every 10 sexual encounters I have lands me with a "yeast infection." I have always had a fair amount of discharge (enough to start sex but I always have to use a lubricant after about 20 mins) and I dont knowtice any change in the color or odor really, it's just the itching and burning. This has become very frusterating to me and my sexual partners. I have been to the doctor a number of times. (I move a lot so it has mostly been different doctors each time). They usually test for yeast, bacteria, gohorea and clamydia. Sometimes I just use yeast infection medication. Sometimes the diagnosis is yeast infection and some times it is bacterial vaginosis. I have tried using KY Jelly, AstroGlide (wowsers), lubricated condoms, non lubricated condoms, non latex condoms, no condoms (I was married). I have not been able to find any discernable pattern. I even get them sometimes from just masterbating. The only time I can think of that I usually dont get an infection is when I am on my period. This last infection came after I had not had sex for about a month and a half and I began eating yogurt with active cultures everyday about two months ago and it still landed me with an infection. My main question is can you give me a list of STD's and health issues that can cause vaginal itching. And do you have any other ideas (other than the typical yeast infection stuff about clothing and dont douch and eat yogurt and dont let the sex get too rough etc).
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Answer:
by Georgan Gregg: ()
Your frustration is understandable. You’ve asked several questions about vaginal health and mentioned (in other information) related relationship issues. I want to be sure you not only have the basic information, but also understand why common recommendations are made. I’ll also offer some new suggestions.
The most important thing to remember is to keep a healthy pH balance in your vagina. A yeast infection happens when the normal balance of the vagina changes, & the yeast cells overpopulate. There are several reasons this can happen: changes in hormones due to menstruation or pregnancy, taking antibiotics (which kill off the bacteria that keep yeast controlled), substances that may irritate the vaginal area such as douching & scented toilet paper, or a warm, moist environment from wearing tight clothes or nylon underwear with no cotton crotch. A yeast infection can also result from a higher level of sugar in the blood & also from a lowered resistance to infection - from high stress, or medical conditions that affects the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
Let’s get into some very specific things you mentioned because some basically healthy women are extremely susceptible to vaginal infections & have to be much more informed & careful to prevent reoccurrence.
Stay with the same gynecologist who you feel is knowledgeable & with whom you are comfortable to talk openly, & who takes your on-going issues as seriously as you do. Their job will be to track the problem, discover what it is for certain & whether your partner needs to be treated also. You may be passing an infection back & forth.
Vaginas lubricate when sexually aroused but each woman is different & several things can affect ability to lubricate, even if aroused sufficiently. It’s possible that what feels good at the time (or you are too shy to admit was uncomfortable) was actually abrasive to your vagina. The reason this is important from a vaginal infection perspective is that without enough lubrication the vagina becomes irritated, which can lead to either yeast or bacterial infection. Irritation can also be why masturbation sometimes brings on vaginal infections.
Changing sex partners or infrequent sex can cause infections. Another simply but possible problem is not thoroughly washing his/your hands & sex toys prior to sexual activities. Anal play followed by vaginal touching can definitely cause infection. It’s common not to get an infection while you have your period, because the hormonal changes also change the pH balance within the vagina. Be sure to wipe from front to back after urinating or defecating.
Here’s a list of suggestions you may not have tried:
*drink 4 oz of 100% cranberry juice daily, in addition to daily yogurt containing acidophilus (P.S. cranberry juice is also useful to treat & prevent urinary tract infections/UTIs).
*use a hand held hair dryer after bathing to be sure vulva is dry
*wear loose fitting garments with no panties to keep your vagina dry & non-irritated
*mention this on-going problem to your general practioner during a complete physical so that diabetes, HIV & other conditions can be checked
*experiment by NOT treating a mild infection (sometimes the treatments can be irritating & actually make it worse!)
*try herbal remedies for treatment AND prevention
If you chose to treat a yeast infection with a natural remedy try yogurt containing acidophilus. Acidophilus kills yeast & is found in healthy vaginas (& intestinal tracts). It’s also a great yeast preventative. Be sure you use plain, unflavored yogurt without sugar. Apply it directly on your vulva & also inject some inside your vagina (via plastic tampon applicators or vaginal cream applicators). You can also drink milk containing acidophilus to treat & prevent yeast infection. Acidophilus capsules from natural food stores can be opened to use the powder on your vulva or mixed with water to insert in your vagina. I’m not as familiar with other natural remedies such as garlic, teatree oil or boric acid capsules, but some women find them useful.
Douching with home remedies for yeast infections can also help. However, you MUST keep the bag below your pelvis & use only slight pressure, or the solution can be pushed into your uterus. Insert & remove the nozzle carefully to keep from injuring your vagina, which would result in much worse yeast or bacterial infections. The most commonly recommended douche to restore the correct pH in your vagina is 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of water. Use daily for mild infections, or in combination with other treatments for more severe infections. The household item 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used in a solution of 1-teaspoon peroxide to 1-cup water. If you use peroxide douche, continue once a day until the day AFTER your symptoms are gone. Peroxide douches work by killing yeast.
As to the related issues within your relationships I’d ask you to think about how you communicate with your partner about your infections & the frustration they bring you. Rather than vaginal infections causing problems in your relationships, it may be lack of appropriate, caring discussion. Not having intercourse may indeed be what your vagina needs while it’s healing from an infection, but that doesn’t mean you cannot have other types of sex with your partner. You clearly state that your partner begins to feel rejected & you feel pressured. Speaking openly, honestly & clearly about your infection will help him be a part of the solution. You’ll be able to work jointly on treating & preventing reoccurrences instead of dealing with sexual frustration, emotional rejection or pressure to be sexual.
Let me know if you have further questions. Thanks for using Sexualhealth.com. Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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